Dental Implant Frequently Asked Questions
Here at Aloha Dental Associates, we receive many questions from our North Riverside area patients about the dental implant process and the results possible with it. While we are happy to answer any and all questions our current and prospective dental implant patients may have, we have noticed that there are some questions we receive more than others. In order to better convenience our patients, we have gone ahead and collected these frequently asked questions, presenting them below with their answers. If you have a question or concern that you don’t see addressed below, please contact our office and speak with one of our helpful team members today.
Do dental implants provide replacements stronger than your natural teeth?
For the most part, yes, dental implants are indeed stronger than your natural teeth. Thanks to a process called osseointegration, your dental implants are bonded to your jawbone just like your natural teeth are. Thanks to this process, dental implants are on an even playing field with your natural teeth. However, the materials used to make dental implants are far more durable than your natural teeth. And, your replacement teeth cannot develop cavities, making fillings a thing of the past for your new teeth.
What happens if my child or teen loses a permanent tooth?
In truth, most children and teens are turned away from treatment with dental implants. The reason for this is the fact that, when we are younger, our jaw structure is in a state of growth, which can interfere with the ability of your implants to integrate into your oral structure. If your child’s jaw structure hasn’t finished growing, then they will need to wait before they will be able to restore that missing tooth with a dental implant.
How much do dental implants cost?
While the average cost of dental implants ranges from $1,500 to $5,000, this cost largely depends on you. For instance, the cost of your treatment is affected by many factors, such as the number of implants you need, the quality of materials used to make your replacement teeth, and whether or not you will need a supplementary procedure before you can move forward with the dental implant procedure. The cost of these supplementary procedures can also vary depending on the condition of your jawbone and gums.
Will the dental implant process hurt?
Before we place your dental implants, you will be treated with a local anesthetic to ensure that you feel no pain during your treatment. We can also provide you with sedation during this time if you request it. Once your implants are in place, you are likely to experience soreness in the area up until it heals. However, the process isn’t all that painful. In fact, many of our patients have remarked that getting their implants was no more painful than a tooth extraction.
How long can the process take?
The average length of a dental implant treatment, from start to finish, is three to six months. However, your treatment can end up lasting longer than that depending on whether or not you need a supplementary procedure. While a lot of bone grafting treatments are performed on the same day as your implant procedure, this procedure may be performed months in advance depending on the severity of your jawbone deterioration and whether or not your jawbone will need time to heal before it can handle the implant procedure.